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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Tagong and Tibetan areas of Western Sichuan

Sichuan province has an extremely varied geography, both physical and cultural. The Tibetan area of Sichuan, which covers roughly one-third of the province can easily be reached within one-two days from Chengdu, depending on the area you visit. Due to the general high altitude of these areas I strongly recommend taking it easy in your ascent and slowly acclimatizing. All of these pictures were taken around Tagong, west and over the Zheduo Pass (Zheduo La) from Kangding. There is a newly built and recently opened airport in this area but I highly recommend going overland (either by car or bus) from Chengdu to Kangding (spending one night) and then the next day passing over the Zheduo La and proceeding on to Tagong. In this way you will also be able to fully appreciate the incredible transitional landscape between "China" and "Tibet". If you are lucky you will happen on a festival or celebration. Otherwise, most days bring ample opportunity to see stunning landscape, blue skies, local culture and large doses of Tibetan spirituality, courtesy and hospitality.

6 comments:

Correction: All the above only goes for when the weather is, and has been, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. Maybe, just to be fair, Ingrid, you should mention something on how to get there when the weather is and has not been the best. That is, after all, the way I remember it you know... ;-)Addition: What you can also see in these surroundings... stunningly beautiful men. See photo above! :-)AnBr

Ah, come on! I thought the worst problem was the nun in the next room making noise all night long?! We didn't have bad weather! It was only before we actually left that there was so much rain that the bridges and roads (in the Chinese section, not the Tibetan section) were washed out. And that horrible, bone-breaking car ride up to Danba, that's a killer. Have friends here in Chengdu that were up there a few days ago. Ice all over the roads now in winter, otherwise perfect weather with blue skies as promised! You mean that you didn't experience "stunning landscape, local culture, Tibetan spirituality, courtesy and hospitality"? "How to get there"? Like I said, check the weather, make sure the route you choose is open for traffic, go either by local bus, or rent a car or drive your own if you have a Chinese driver's license. Or go the wimpy way and fly up to Kangding. ;-D

Haha! Fortunately I only heard the nun in the next room in the evenings and mornings... but then again that was bad enough... I'm not too keen on "bodily noises", nun or no nun.And of course I experienced all the above, as soon as I had finished picking up my kidneys from my knees after the some what "bumpy" ride that, according to dear, FANTASTIC tour leader P, would only last a mere 8 hours, but in the end was a nerve wrecking 16 hours or so, endurance. But hey, I'm not complaining, remember I even gave up showers and hot water for 4 days or so, just to be able to enjoy the local festivities and Tibetan cowboys. ALMOST without even complaining... ;-DAnBr

For all those interested in Travel Tips about Western Sichuan: I will be posting articles in the near future about this area. Please also look at Jiuzhaigou entry from late 2008. Please free to ask questions too!

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"I recorded this event in order to make it known to persons who are fond of such matters". Song Dynasty official Fan Chengda (1126-1193) wrote this in "Diary of a Boat Trip to Wu" on July 10 in the year 1177 when travelling through Sichuan Province.

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